Meet our 2023 South African Women in Science Awards finalists
Prof. Janine Barbara Adams
Prof. Janine Adams is a distinguished professor at Nelson Mandela University, the Deputy Director of the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, and holds the DSI/NRF Research Chair for Shallow Water Ecosystems. Prof. Adams' research focuses on the conservation and management of estuaries, working across the science-policy-practice continuum. Her ongoing research investigates estuary restoration and the response of blue carbon ecosystems to climate change.
With an NRF B2 rating, Adams has published over 220 journal articles, including papers in leading international journals such as Science and Nature. Prof. Adams is a frequent keynote speaker for international audiences and collaborates with over 100 national and international scientists. She is an active participant in global research networks such as the West Indian Ocean mangrove and seagrass networks. Adams has ongoing collaborative research projects with international universities such as the University of Wollongong, Eduardo Mondlane University, University of Oldenburg and University of Dar Es Salaam.
Prof. Adams' research findings have contributed to the conservation and management of shallow water ecosystems. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa and received the silver medal from the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists for her contribution to research and training. She was the chairperson of the Water Research Commission reporting to the then Department of Water Affairs (DWAf) and has served on several national and international committees. The outcome of her work was incorporated into the resource directed measures programmme of the DWAf, the National Biodiversity Assessment, and the Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008. In 2021 she received the Faculty Researcher of the Year Award and Research Excellence Award at Nelson Mandela University.
She was appointed senior editor of the journal Coastal Futures. She is also currently associate editor of Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Sciences and is the co-chair of the West Indian Ocean Mangrove Network. She has built long-term datasets of dedicated research on salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses, and these datasets are in demand as they enable comparisons between systems worldwide. She served as editor on three special research journal issues, namely: African Journal of Aquatic Science, Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science and Frontiers in Marine Science.
Adams successfully mentored 10 postdoctoral fellows, supervised 24 PhD, 44 master's and 60 honours students, and currently supervises 10 PhD and four master's students. Prof. Adams serves as a role model to female postgraduate students and strives for gender equality and empowerment by providing quality, relevant training to ensure that graduates are sought after in the workplace.
